Truly Seeing the Dog

The one skill that torments many Scent Work teams is the handler's ability to correctly read their dog. There is so much on the line! Getting a "No" when training is bad enough but hearing the dreaded “No” at a trial, that is so much worse! It can feel as though the floor is collapsing out from under you.

Thus, it makes sense that people clamor for a definitive neon sign from their dog, “HIDE IS HERE, CALL IT!” However, this approach is limiting. We are missing a far more intricate picture our dogs are trying to paint for us when we are only obsessed about the hide location.

In this episode, we talk about why taking the time to truly learn what our dogs are communicating throughout the entirety of the search, as well as in day-to-day life, is not only worthwhile but fun to do!

Speaker

Dianna L. Santos

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Who’s Watching Who? Understand the Dog’s Changes of Behaviors (COBs) Webinar with Khara Schuetzner

Language of Nose Work: Reading Your Dog Webinar with Michael and Natalie McManus

Displacement Sniffing and Other Stress Behaviors Webinar with Sue Sternberg

P for Pronounced or Pee? Webinar with Sue Sternberg

Canine Body Behavior and Scent Work for Handlers Webinar

TRANSCRIPT